In a surprising turn of events, Formula 1 icon Lewis Hamilton has revealed a significant shift in his priorities, selling his entire collection of high-performance automobiles to dedicate himself to the world of art. This decision marks a departure from his well-known passion for cars and signals a new chapter in the life of the seven-time world champion.

Hamilton, known for his discerning taste and appreciation for exceptional engineering, amassed an impressive collection of around 15 vehicles. The collection included rare and limited-edition models from iconic manufacturers such as Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz, and McLaren. These weren't just ordinary cars; they were automotive masterpieces representing the pinnacle of performance and design.

The value of Hamilton's car collection was estimated to be around $10 million, reflecting the rarity and desirability of the vehicles he owned. These cars were meticulously maintained and stored in private garages in Monaco and Los Angeles, showcasing their importance to the racing superstar.

The news of Hamilton's decision to part ways with his collection emerged during a media session leading up to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. When asked if he had any interest in acquiring Ferrari's new flagship supercar, the F80, Hamilton responded with the surprising revelation that he no longer owned any cars, stating that he had "got rid of all my cars." He explained that his focus had shifted towards art, a passion that now occupied his attention.

Despite divesting his extensive car collection, Hamilton still holds a special place in his heart for one particular model: the Ferrari F40. He described the legendary F40 as "a nice piece of art," underscoring his appreciation for its timeless design and historical significance. The F40, produced from 1987 to 1992, is considered one of Ferrari's most iconic and celebrated models.

Hamilton's affinity for the F40 was evident when he was photographed posing next to one outside Enzo Ferrari's house during his first visit to Ferrari's Maranello headquarters. This image further solidified his connection to the brand and his admiration for its heritage.

While he may no longer be amassing supercars, Hamilton has embraced a new form of personal transportation: motorcycles. He has been seen riding motorcycles at race weekends, including events in Monaco and Italy. This suggests a continued interest in high-performance vehicles, albeit in a different form.

Notably, he was spotted riding a Ducati Panigale V4 S superbike, adorned with the Italian tricolore livery. This choice further highlights his appreciation for Italian engineering and design, a potential nod to his future with Ferrari.

Earlier in the season, Hamilton shared his ambition to design his own Ferrari road car, hinting at a future project centered around the F40. He envisioned a model he called the "F44," built upon the "baseline of an F40, with the actual stick shift." This ambition reveals his continued fascination with Ferrari and his desire to contribute to the brand's legacy.

Hamilton's passion for design extends beyond racing. His vision of designing an F44 with a manual transmission emphasizes his appreciation for the raw, unfiltered driving experience that older sports cars provide, a stark contrast to the increasingly automated nature of modern vehicles.

As Hamilton prepared for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, he expressed optimism about his prospects for the season with Ferrari. Despite acknowledging that a win might be "far-fetched" given his performance in previous races, he remained hopeful about achieving a podium finish for the team. This highlights his commitment to his new team and his desire to contribute to their success.

Hamilton's anticipation for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix was fueled by a sense that he had identified areas for improvement. He emphasized the need to "work on extracting" these improvements, indicating a proactive approach to enhancing his performance. His determination to overcome challenges underscores his competitive spirit and his unwavering pursuit of excellence.

Before his foray into the art world, Hamilton's car collection was a testament to his success and his passion for automotive excellence. Among the notable vehicles he previously owned were a Mercedes-AMG GT R (a former Formula 1 safety car), a 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 ("Eleanor" replica), and a 1995 McLaren F1 (chassis 044).

The Mercedes-AMG GT R, with its pedigree as an F1 safety car, represented the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz performance. The Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 "Eleanor" replica paid homage to a classic American muscle car, while the McLaren F1, a true automotive icon, exemplified groundbreaking engineering and design.

These vehicles, each with its unique character and history, reflected Hamilton's diverse taste and his appreciation for automotive heritage. Their sale signifies a significant shift in his priorities, as he now channels his passion and resources into the world of art.

Meanwhile, in other racing news, Lando Norris has defended McLaren's team strategy at Monza, addressing criticism surrounding the team's decision-making. The controversy arose when Oscar Piastri attempted to undercut Norris, leading to a team order instructing Piastri to cede the position back to Norris.

Norris's defense of the team's actions underscores the importance of internal unity and the need to prioritize the overall team strategy. He dismissed the negativity surrounding the incident, emphasizing that it does not affect the team's internal dynamics.

Norris's response highlights the challenges faced by teams in balancing individual driver ambitions with the collective goals of the organization. It also underscores the intense scrutiny that Formula 1 teams face from the media and the public.

Despite the controversy, Norris remains focused on his own performance and his contribution to the team's success. His commitment to McLaren and his unwavering determination to improve serve as a testament to his dedication to the sport.

Norris's remarks reflect a growing trend in modern society, where negativity and criticism often dominate online discourse. He noted that "that’s all people want to do, you know, is be negative and talk badly about others." This observation underscores the importance of promoting positivity and constructive criticism, particularly in the high-pressure world of Formula 1.

Ultimately, Norris's message is one of resilience and focus. He emphasized that the team will "continue to do things our way, whether people agree with it or not." This unwavering commitment to their own path suggests a strong belief in their internal processes and their ability to achieve success despite external pressures.